The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the 2024 Ulsan Ecotourism Forum, held on the 3rd of December, 2024, at the Tannibay Hotel in Ulsan, South Korea. With over 170 participants, the forum provided a dynamic platform to discuss the city’s transformation through technological innovation, cultural integration and sustainability.
Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, delivered a keynote presentation at the 2nd Ulsan Ecotourism Forum titled “Sustainable Tourism: A Systematic Approach Using the GSTC Criteria.” where he emphasized the critical role of the GSTC Criteria for advancing sustainability within the tourism industry. Highlighting global best practices and actionable strategies, Mr. Durband underscored the importance of adopting systematic approaches to create impactful and measurable progress in sustainable tourism development.
Dr. Mihee Kang, Global Assurance Director of GSTC, also delivered a presentation at the 2024 Ulsan Ecotourism Forum titled “Implications of domestic and international tourism policies and certification trends for the future of Ulsan’s tourism industry”.
Dr. Kang moderated as well, the panel discussion that brought together distinguished experts, including Jung Ja Choi from the Environment & Promotion Division of Ulsan, Dr. Sangheon Lee from the Ulsan Development Research Institute, Dr. So Young Lee Project Manager of GSTC, and Dr. Peter Lee from the Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau. Together, they explored key strategies for advancing sustainable tourism, addressing environmental and social challenges, and leveraging ecotourism as a catalyst for local and global development.
Emi Kaiwa, GSTC Asia Pacific Manager, presented at the 2024 Ulsan Ecotourism Forum on the topic of “Sustainable Tourism Certification in the Asia Pacific: Current Status and Demand.” Her presentation highlighted the progress and challenges in implementing sustainable tourism certifications across the region, with a particular focus on Japan as a case study. By showcasing best practices and addressing emerging trends, she emphasized the growing demand for sustainable practices in the tourism industry throughout Asia-Pacific.
Öykü Öztürk Karali, Assurance Strategy Manager at GSTC, also presented at the Forum about “Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy in Turkey Through Gradual Introduction of a Tourism Certification System.” Drawing on her expertise in Accreditation and Recognition, as well as her academic background in tourism administration and environmental science, she shared insights into Turkey’s strategic approach to advancing sustainable tourism.
The event fostered meaningful dialogues among industry experts, government officials, and community leaders, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in Ulsan’s future growth.
The GSTC team participated in a post-forum tour, exploring some of Ulsan’s historical landmarks, including traditional sites that showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage. The tour included a visit to the serene bamboo forest, providing an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the area; and a visit to the Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace, which are pre-historic engravings, listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immersive experience allowed the team to gain a deeper appreciation for the integration of sustainable tourism practices in preserving both cultural and natural assets.
